Connecticut western news., 1887-04-06
ranged the table, and ministered to thu

"All wel," he responded between the swallows of coffee. ''Eliz,, she sent her love. And Reed-no, Reed didn't send no love. But he wanted to be specially remembered, Reed did. He's had dreadful good luck with the sweet potato patches and tobacco crops this year."
 "Has he7" and Hilda blushed rosily.
 She m ght have added something more, but Mrs. Murray oficiously inter fercd. -. "You musn't be late for your appoint ment with Mir. Dulaney, daughter, said she with glance at the clock. ' And she added, in explanatory fash ion.
 'Hilda rides out every day. Two hours, with, ahem!-a gentleman friend" ~ e-- "Rdes out, does she9" said MT. Webb. q guess likely it costs considerable to keep horses in New York. Pm glad you and Hilda's gotso much money to spare."
 'rm told," said Mrs. Murray, con- placently, 'that Hilda's horse is one of the handsomest in the park. And of course, young girl like her ought to get plenty of exercise and fresh air."
 Once moro Martin Webb's keen glance clrcled around the room and settled on Hilda's deeply suffused face. She went out, with word of hurried apology.
 'Humph," was his comment.
 'fYes," nodded Mrs. Murray, with the futtered, fattered expression of moth- erly old hen who has just found an ex- tra fine kernel of corn for her brood. "My Hilda has got into some remarkably good society. And I entertain hopes that she may marry we'll before great while" -....,
 MT. Webb took his rather ab- ruptly, as Mrs. Murray thought-and the old lady, after carefully putting away the generous gifts from the old farm, sat down to mend lace and to dream again.
 Reed Webb listened silently to his fathers account of their relatives.
 "Going out riding every day with a grand New York gentleman" said he. '.Dressed like princessl Father, that does not sound like our little Hilda." "Can't help how it sounds" said Mar tin. 'Its so. That's all know" "Then," said Reed, sadly, ''it's no use my building that wing on. the south side of the old house2- 1t won't be need | ed now.
 "Not if you expect Hilda Murray to live in it."
 ''Hushr' said Mrs. Webb, who was washing up the supper dishes with true housewifely deftness and speed, making each teaspoon shine like silver, each plate glisten like ivory, in the friction of her homespun linen towel. '"There's some one at the door. Go quick, hus- bandp
 ''Why," cried Martin, standing star ing on the threshold, 'it's Hilda-it's Hilda Murrayr'
 "But I can't stay minute" said Hilda, breathlessly. '1've got to return by the seven-thirty train!"
 "Hilda," said Reed, gravely, 'you must come in. It is not right nor seemly that you should be out alone at this time of night"
 'T wanted Cousin Webb to know" faltered Hilda. 'I couldn't bear that he should think so ill of me as to fancy that was indulglng in expensive pleas ures, while-while my mother was so poor. Her sight is failing, you know she IS almost blind. She fancies, that she is earning something by mending lace, but sho only spells it. We should starve if-if it wasn't for the money earn by giving riding-lessons in Mir. Dulany's equestrian school. Mother doesn't know. She would break hel heart if any one told her that I went daily to the ring, and trained little girls and young ladies in horsewomanship. She never can forget, you know, that my poor father was college graduate, and once went to the legislature. Sc we let her believe-Mr. Dulany and T. that am taking lessons, instead of giv. ing them. She saw us once in the park with the class of young ladies, and she was so proud, poor little mother! Aud Mir. Dusany says am the best teacher he ever had; and-oh'' with piteous clasping of the hands-'is it very wrong2 Is it? I almost fancied so when saw Cousin Webb looking at me this morning-acting lie!"
 'I dunno about that" said MT, Webb, tumbling around for his pocket handkerchief; "but know you're the incest and best little gal I ever saw F
 "Hilda," sail Mrs. Webb, pleadingly, "cannot you come back here to Wolf. Corners9 know your ma was beset te get to New York. She thought, pool dear, that fortunes was to be made there hand over hand. But surely, now"
 Hilda shook her head sorrowfully.
 ''We are too poor" she said; "we cannot afford the expense of moving again. And there is no house to be had here now."
 Mrs. Webb put her hand on her bus. bands shoulder.
 'Martin,' said she hurriedly, eff Hil da really wants to get back by the seven